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PLANT TYPE: Annual SCIENTIFIC NAME: Brassica oleracea var gongylodes LIGHT: Full Sun SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, high organic matter pH RANGE: 6.0 – 7.0 MOISTURE/WATERING: Average MATURITY IN DAYS: 65 – 75 KNOWN PESTS: Cabbage worms and loopers, root maggots, aphids and Diamondback moths KNOWN DISEASES: Head rot and downy mildew |
OVERVIEW:
Kohlrabi has edible purple or white globes that form at the base of the stems. Kohlrabi is an easy crop to grow. Kohlrabi require cool temperatures and plenty of moisture and sunshine. Since kohlrabi is a cool-weather crop, most gardeners plant it in late winter or early spring and again in the late summer or early fall in order to get two crops a year. Kohlrabi is good for eating raw or cooked. Kohlrabi grow quickly, going from seed to table in 60 to 65 days.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF KOHLRABI:
Sow kohlrabi seed 1/4-1/2” deep early in the spring once the soil has warmed to 10-18°C (50-65°F). Thin kohlrabi plants to 4” apart in rows spaced 12-18” apart.
COMPANION PLANTING OF KOHLRABI:
Kohlrabi do well with bush bean, beet, celery, cucumbers, lettuce, onion, potato, tomato.
CARE & GROWING OF KOHLRABI:
Choose an area with full sun and soil pH of 6.0-7.0. Enrich the soil with compost or well rotted manure. Kohlrabi benefits from additional feedings of liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
HARVESTING OF KOHLRABI:
For fresh use,pull kohlrabi plants when the stem has swollen to 2” in diameter. For storage, allow the kohlrabi stems to grow up to 4-5” in diameter. Clean or trim leaves. Kohlrabi stores well in the fridge or cold room.
KOHLRABI PESTS & DISEASES:
Cabbage worms and loopers (white and yellow butterflies) – Use row covers to block out these insects including root maggots, aphids and Diamondback moths. Maintaining a soil pH of 6.8 and higher will discourage club root. Fungal and bacteria diseases such as head rot and downy mildew can be prevented by allowing good air circulation and avoiding a mid August maturity when the air humidity is higher. Strong healthy kohlrabi plants growing in an organically rich soil will be better able to fight disease.